Category Archives: Smart Growth

In a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, surveyors confirmed a fact that EYA has long known: today’s homebuyers prefer walkable neighborhoods close to shops and transit. The study was covered by the Washington Business Journal, in which writer Kent Hoover urged the housing industry to do more to adapt to this trend. Looking for a walkable neighborhood to call ‘home’? Discover modern townhome living at EYA.com.

What’s next for Marriott and its future headquarters location? That’s all the buzz around Bethesda and the Washington region. Reporter Daniel J. Sernovitz wrote about the popular topic, with input from EYA’s Vice President, McLean Quinn. The article discusses the potential relocation of Marriott headquarters across from EYA’s Montgomery Row townhomes, and what impact it might have on the neighborhood. Plus, learn more about the area’s new luxury residences and why EYA has sold 15 homes in just 30 days.

Mixed-use development by EYA at Westside at Shady Grove Metro, a transit-oriented neighborhood.

We’re excited to share Roger K. Lewis’ most recent piece on transit-oriented development, a concept that’s at the very heart of life within walking distance. We work tirelessly to deliver on the best, timeless practices in urban living and neighborhood design. You can see some evidence of our past commitments smart growth on EYA.com. Enjoy!

Bethesda, Maryland, May 12, 2015 – EYA broke ground today on Westside at Shady Grove Metro, a new transit-oriented, mixed-useresidential and retail community. Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined EYA to mark the beginning stages of construction at the 45-acre smart-growth community.

Westside will feature 407 townhomes, more than 1,000 rental homes, 131,000 sq. feet of office space and a total of 41,828 sq. feet of retail space. Plans also call for the addition of a community library. Moderately priced dwelling units (MPDU) and workforce housing are included among the residences.

The Westside neighborhood is a public-private partnership between Montgomery County and EYA that transforms the former Montgomery County Service Park from warehouse and industrial space to a vibrant mixed-use community.

“I am very excited to break ground with our development partner EYA on the first development project under my Smart Growth Initiative,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “Developing this land around the Shady Grove Metro Station will deliver quality housing and the promise of a vibrant urban village. The Smart Growth Initiative, of which this is an important part, will create a better quality of life for our residents well into the future.”

EYA President Bob Youngentob said the community will bring significant change.

“Everyone at EYA is so proud to be a part of this transformational effort to redevelop the former Montgomery County Service Park into a world class residential community in accord with County Executive Ike Leggett’s ‘Smart Growth Initiative’.” EYA believes the combination of innovative new home design, neighborhood-serving retail, a rich complement of recreational amenities and unparalleled access to transportation options including the ICC, I-270 and walking distance to the Shady Grove Metro platform, will result in a neighborhood that will offer the ultimate in ‘life within walking distance’. EYA has been working on this community for more than 10 years, and we want to thank the County Executive, his staff, and the County Council for entrusting us with this unique opportunity to create Westside at Shady Grove Metro.”

Westside at Shady Grove offers homebuyers a choice in sleek and spacious townhomes currently for sale. Market-rate homes are available in four models (Bancroft, Copeland, Davis and Erving) that range from 1,678 to 2,427 square feet with three or four bedrooms and 2.5 or 3.5 baths. Homes are three or four floors and include a private, two-car garage and a rooftop terrace with available outdoor kitchen and gas fireplace.

The townhomes at Westside have been designed in two contemporary architectural styles, distinct, yet complementary, and consistent with the overall urban character of the mixed-use development.

The SoHo style is influenced by West Coast design details and materials, with an emphasis on expansive windows that allow natural light to fill the open interior spaces. The Tribeca style is based on design concepts more prevalent in East Coast urban environments, with full masonry facades and bays, accentuated by towers of paneled trim work and floor-to-ceiling glass.

Each street in the community will be architecturally controlled to provide a balance of both façade styles and a variety of color schemes, ensuring a unique urban experience within the residential portion of the Westside neighborhood.

Market-rate residences will feature chef kitchens with ENERGY STAR® appliances; advanced home automation of security, heating and cooling; water-saving Kohler fixtures; and eco-friendly construction built to LEED® for Homes standards.

Homes are priced from the upper $500s to the upper $700s. First move-ins are expected in first quarter 2016. The sales center at 16658 Crabbs Branch Way is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information is available at http://www.eya.com/westside-at-shady-grove/.

About EYA

EYA is Washington D.C.’s leading developer of urban and transit-oriented communities that promote Life Within Walking Distance®. The company has built more than 4,000 residences and 37 walkable urban neighborhoods in the D.C. area in last 22 years, including nearly 900 homes in Montgomery County. EYA plans to add 1,872 new homes to Montgomery County within the next five to seven years in six neighborhoods: Chelsea Heights, Chevy Chase Lake, Grosvenor Heights, Montgomery Row at Rock Spring and Westside at Shady Grove Metro.

Perfectly situated at the doorstep to the red line, Westside will soon feature over 400 luxury townhomes, over 1,000 multi-family homes and 40,000 sq. feet of retail shops. Residents will enjoy amenities such as clubhouse with 25-meter outdoor pool, lounge areas, and state-of-the-art fitness center; dog park; community garden; walking paths connecting to nearby trails; and a variety of green spaces throughout.

Westside is the 45-acre parcel of the 90-acre redevelopment at Shady Grove Metro, which will also soon include an elementary school and regulation sports fields. Crabbs Branch Way will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly promenade and will complete a connection of bike trails through the site. The 90-acre project is a Smart Growth Initiative in partnership with Montgomery County and improves the use of Metro-oriented land in the County.

The architecture of the homes and clubhouse, while fresh and contemporary, is timeless and enduring with careful attention to detail and materials. It’s a fresh take on modern townhome living and includes LEED for Homes certification, advanced home automation and contemporary finish options throughout.

The sales center will open onsite May 2nd for pre-construction sales, with the first move-ins expected for late 2015/early 2016. New homes will start in the upper $500s. Local favorite Corned Beef King will cater the event.

Montgomery County is preparing to start construction on downtown Silver Spring’s first dog park across from Chelsea Heights townhomes. Ellsworth Urban Park will be home to the new play space for pups. Today, the park already features playgrounds, tennis and gazebo, all within walking distance of the shops in downtown Silver Spring and EYA’s new homes at Chelsea Heights. The move by the County is a smart one, as there are now more households with dogs than kids and dog ownership helps people stay fit, social and active. The park is scheduled for completion at the end of 2015.

As we welcome a new year, many of us will make resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. More and more research indicates that living in a walkable neighborhood is good for you. From better health to reduced crime rates to increased social interactions, walkable urban living has many far reaching benefits. The studies show:

There is a significant connection between walkability and health benefits

Walkability encourages more civic engagement in our communities

Walkable urban environments spur social interaction and creativity

Walkability is a key to influencing housing prices

EYA is passionate about creating distinctly special neighborhoods that positively impact individual lives and communities in a socially responsible way. Visit our website to learn more about our walkable neighborhoods and resolve to start living your walkable lifestyle today!

Earlier this month, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved our plan to build a 168 townhome community in Rock Spring Park in Bethesda. The community will be located across the street from Marriot’s headquarters and is walking distance to Montgomery Mall, Wildwood Shopping Center and Georgetown Square, with easy access to I-270 and I-495 as well.

The new homes will have an upscale modern feel and feature open floorplans, large windows, and rooftop terraces. The neighborhood will offer plenty of green space for residents to enjoy, including a large central courtyard and park area. As with almost every home that EYA builds, the townhomes will be built to LEED for Home standards.

Sales center opening Spring 2015! Prices are projected to start from the $700s.

The Rock Spring site will be our 10th community in Montgomery County. We currently have two projects under construction and now selling in the county, Little Falls Place and Chelsea Heights. Rock Spring is one of four EYA neighborhoods located in Montgomery County planned to open in 2015.